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RESOLUTION R-1718-107: A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, APPROPRIATING $27,693.44 FROM THE REFUNDS REIMBURSEMENTS MISCELLANEOUS RISK MANAGEMENT ACCOUNT RECEIVED FROM INSURANCE COMPANIES AND THE RESPONSIBLE PARTY TO REPAIR AND REPLACE TRAFFIC SIGNAL EQUIPMENT, TRAFFIC SIGNS, AND PARKING METERS DAMAGED IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS.
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BACKGROUND: The City’s Traffic Control Division maintains more than 170 traffic and pedestrian signals citywide using $105,291 in the Traffic Division operating budget (approximately $620 per signalized intersection per year). These funds are used for the purchase of replacement traffic signal system components needed for the safe and efficient operation of our traffic signals. In addition, the Division also maintains approximately 30,000 traffic control signs throughout the City of Norman using $44,480 in the Division’s operating budget (approximately $1.49 per sign per year). These funds are used for the purchase of the replacement sign components needed for the safe and efficient navigation of our roadways. Finally, the Division maintains more than 202 parking meters with an annual maintenance budget of $5,890 (less than $30 per meter per year).
On September 17, 2017, a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of State Highway 9 and Berry Road causing damage to a signal pole, pedestrian push button, and a street light. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at the location. On December 4, 2017, a $981.79 check was collected from the insurance company for the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On July 28, 2017, a traffic collision occurred at the roundabout at the intersection of Corporate Centre Drive and Interstate Drive causing damage to a roundabout direction arrow sign. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at the location. On December 4, 2017, a $193.47 check was collected from the insurance company of the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On June 6, 2017, a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of Tecumseh Road and Porter Avenue causing damage to a pedestrian pushbutton station assembly. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at this location. On December 13, 2017, a $636.61 check was collected from the insurance company of the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On August 1, 2017, a traffic collision occurred at 311 W. Boyd Street causing damage to a parking meter. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at the location. On December 15, 2017, a $518.09 check was collected from the insurance company of the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On October 17, 2017, a traffic collision occurred on 36th Avenue SW south of Riverwalk Drive causing damage to a hospital and arrow combination sign installation. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at this location. On December 14, 2017, a $144.46 cash payment was collected from the responsible party. The funds were deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On February 12, 2018, repairs were made to speed limit sign assembly as a result of a traffic collision on Brookhaven Boulevard north of Robinson Street. The responsible driver delivered a $135.45 check to cover the damages. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On December 20, 2017, a traffic collision occurred at the Robinson Street intersection with I-35 West causing damage to a pedestrian pedestal pole assembly. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at this location. On March 2, 2018, a check in the amount of $507.50 was collected from the insurance company of the responsible driver. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On July 15, 2017, a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of 24th Avenue NW and Corporate Centre Drive causing damage to a pedestrian pedestal pole assembly. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at this location. On March 9, 2018, a $2,502.08 check was collected from the insurance company of the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On August 22, 2016, a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of Gray Street and Santa Fe Avenue causing damage to a decorative signal pole assembly and to a parking sign installation. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damages at this location. On March 27, 2018, a $2,359.95 check was collected from the insurance company of the responsible party ($2,208.23 for signal related damages and $151.72 for sign related damages). The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On August 1, 2017, a traffic collision occurred at the Classen Boulevard intersection with Cedar Lane Road causing damage to pedestrian pedestal pole assembly. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damages at this location. On March 29, 2018, a payment in the amount of $981.79 was collected from the responsible party. The funds were deposited into the Risk Management Fund, Refunds/Reimbursements account.
On December 31, 2017, a traffic collision occurred on the southbound I-35 off-ramp at Main Street causing damage to a street light assembly. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. A contractor was retained to perform the necessary repairs at this location. On April 2, 2018, a check in the amount of $6,689.66 was collected from the insurance company for the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On January 8, 2018, a traffic collision occurred at the Main Street intersection with Porter Avenue causing damage to a traffic signal pole assembly. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces will be soliciting the services of a contractor to help with the repairs at this location. On April 2, 2018, a payment in the amount of $12,042.59 was collected from the employer (trucking company) of the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
DISCUSSION: The continuing number of traffic collisions involving damage to traffic control equipment depletes the City’s inventory of spare units. Replacement units are necessary in order to address future emergency situations. The Traffic Control Division does not have adequate funding in its operating budget to purchase replacements units and needs to access the funds collected from the responsible parties and insurance companies in order to do so.
Funds collected to date from the previously described incidents total $26,550.25 for damages to traffic signal equipment and $1,143.19 for damages to traffic signs and/or parking meters.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the approval of Resolution R-1718-107 for the appropriation of $26,550.25 from the Risk Management Fund, Refunds/Reimbursements (account 043-0000-367.12-64) to the General Fund, Traffic Signal Parts (account 010-5023-429.32-12). These funds will be used for the purchase of replacements for the equipment damaged in the respective collisions.
In addition, staff recommends the appropriation of $625.10 from the Risk Management Fund, Refunds/Reimbursements (account 043-0000-367.12-64) to the General Fund, Traffic and Street Signs (account 010-5023-429.32-13). These funds will be used for the purchase of replacements for the equipment damaged in the respective collisions.
Finally, staff recommends the appropriation of $518.09 from the Risk Management Fund, Refunds/Reimbursements (account 043-0000-367.12-64) to the General Fund, Parking Meter Parts (account 010-5023-429.32-11). These funds will be used for the purchase of replacements for the equipment damaged in the respective collision.